Jimmy closes in on Midlands title fight

Osbourne Edwards celebrates after another victory

FEW fighters can boast a more spectacular ring entrance than Jermaine Osbourne Edwards, saved from a soulless, street gang lifestyle by this sport and a new found belief in spiritualism.

The drums again sounded at Wolverhampton’s Hangar venue last night (Friday) on BCB’s title show.

Jermaine, in full native Indian regalia, made his ring walk with children dressed in equally colourful attire. There were banners, there was dry ice.

Fans – and the boxer has a large fan club – cheered wildly.

TV would love it.

Unfortunately, in the ring waiting for the unbeaten Wolverhampton southpaw was Naseem Ali, the clown prince of boxing’s brave band of survivalists that are dubbed journeymen.

And the Blackburn welter with 115 contests to his name (two wins) went through his full repertoire, gurning, complaining and, when the four rounds had concluded, attempting to engage the referee in jovial conversation.

It is very hard to look good against Ali. Jermaine’s showbiz ring walk deserved better.

Osbourne Edwards won at a canter, taking every round, 40-36, but Ali (10st 8lbs 6oz) ensured it was victory gained without drama.

He complained about a low blow in the first, was given time to recover and then shouted “come on ref!” after another shot in the same session. He talked, he walked and swaggered.

Osbourne Edwards (10st 5lbs 9oz) ignored the theatricals and intelligently cranked up the pressure over the second half of the contest. He ended the encounter with a cracking left hook.

Throughout the bout, fans shouted “Jimmy, Jimmy”: the atmosphere – if not the contest – was electric.

I have a lot of time for the man. He has turned his life around. The meditation and strict dietary beliefs may appear a little strange to you and I, but they’ve helped hone a 34-year-old who is in outstanding nick. They’ve worked.

I’m pleased Jermaine, now unbeaten in seven, is to be rewarded with a title fight. In December, he’s scheduled to face the winner of Kirk Stevens and Jamie Stewart who fight for the Midlands light-welter (10st) belt this month.

That will be his world title.

Trainer Richard Carter has assured me Jermaine will be a better boxer at the lower weight.

“He’s going to be stronger,” he said. “He doesn’t look a knockout, one shot puncher, but he is very strong. He’s sparred top lads and matches them for strength.

“I thought he did really well (against Ali). He kept disciplined and started to really apply the pressure from the third.

“Age is the only factor and I wish I’d had Jimmy 10 years ago. But he’s a fine athlete who is focused on his food and that gives him the edge.”

The drums and roars were loud for Osbourne Edwards last night.

Imagine how loud they’ll be when a title is on the line. That’s an atmosphere I wouldn’t want to miss.